Haunted by the Past

Days turned into weeks as Zeryn and her companions scoured ancient libraries, delving into the forgotten texts of past civilizations. Every clue they uncovered only raised more questions, as if the pieces of the puzzle were scattered across time and space.

The scholar’s words echoed in Zeryn’s mind: the key that binds the shadow and the light. What did it mean? Was she the key? Or was something else—someone else—hidden within her reach?

The green-eyed figure was always by her side, though their presence seemed to grow quieter with each passing day. Zeryn could sense their unease, and it mirrored her own. The shadows within her were restless, as though they too were waiting for something.

One evening, as they sat together by the fire, Zeryn turned to the green-eyed figure. "What’s bothering you?"

The figure’s gaze shifted uncomfortably. "You’ve been changing. I don’t know if it’s the darkness inside you... or something else. I just don’t want to lose you to it."

Zeryn's breath caught in her throat. She had always known there was something about the power she wielded, something dangerous. But hearing it out loud, from someone she cared about, made it real in a way she hadn’t fully grasped.

"I won’t let it take me," she said softly, but even as she spoke the words, doubt lingered in her heart.